The 2024 BNP Paribas Open made history with a record-breaking 493,440 attendance across two weeks at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Iga Swiatek lifted the crown once more in Tennis Paradise, just two years removed from her maiden title in 2022. The World No. 1 was dominant all tournament long, winning the title without dropping a set in any of her six matches. Carlos Alcaraz successfully defended his BNP Paribas Open title from 2023, triumphing over Daniil Medvedev in the final for the second straight year. At just 20 years old, Alcaraz became the first man to win back-to-back titles in the desert since Novak Djokovic (2014-16).

A star-studded roster of former Tennis Paradise champions, New Era talents and rising superstars descended on the desert for a 2023 BNP Paribas Open that thrilled fans from the first serve of the tournament to the final match point. The crowds were electric in Indian Wells for two weeks full of dramatic three-set matches, upsets and hard fought contests. In the end, it was Elena Rybakina who reigned queen of the desert, claiming her first WTA 1000 title with a stunning championship performance over Aryna Sabalenka. On the ATP side, No. 1 seed Carlos Alcaraz stole the show as the Spanish prodigy dominated his way to a first-career Indian Wells title without dropping a set throughout the entire tournament.

For the first time in three years, the BNP Paribas Open was held in its traditional March spot on the tennis calendar. Fans and players alike enjoyed a return to the Tennis Paradise atmosphere that they have come to know and love, and the on-court action did not disappoint. Surging star Iga Swiatek powered her way through the women’s draw, capturing her fifth career WTA title by defeating Maria Sakkari in the final (6-4, 6-3). On the men’s side, Southern California native Taylor Fritz upset three-time champion Rafael Nadal, who was unbeaten on the season until that point. Fritz’s 6-3, 7-6(5) victory snapped a 21-year title drought by Americans at the BNP Paribas Open.

After a two-and-a-half year hiatus, the BNP Paribas Open returned in 2021 for the first-ever fall edition of Tennis Paradise! Fans once again enjoyed the thrilling on-court action, unparalleled atmosphere and exquisite dining options that make the Indian Wells Tennis Garden one of the most spectacular sports and entertainment venues in the world. In a wide open player field, Spain’s Paula Badosa captured the women’s title with a thrilling 7-6(5), 2-6, 7-6(2) victory over Victoria Azarenka, while Great Britain’s Cameron Norrie celebrated his first Masters 1000 title with a three set win over Georgian Nikoloz Basilashvili (3-6, 6-4, 6-1).

Due to concerns surrounding the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, the 2020 BNP Paribas Open was not held. The health and safety of the local community, fans, players, volunteers, sponsors, employees, vendors and everyone else involved with the tournament is of the utmost importance, and the decision to not hold the event followed the guidance of medical professionals, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the State of California.

The 2019 BNP Paribas Open set multiple attendance records, highlighted by a record 475,372 fans on-site at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden over the course of the two-week event. Since the opening of the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in 2000, more than 6.7 million fans have experienced why the event is known around the world as Tennis Paradise! The action on the court did not disappoint, as teenage sensation Bianca Andreescu burst onto the scene in a big way, becoming the first-ever female wild card to win the title at Indian Wells by defeating Angelique Kerber (6-4, 3-6, 6-4). On the men’s side, Austrian Dominic Thiem upset Roger Federer in the final (3-6, 6-3, 7-5) to claim his first Masters 1000 title.

Tennis Paradise was in full bloom this year! Indian Wells unveiled an extensive landscaping project that included over 60 new palm trees, hundreds of flowers, beautiful fountains and an overall enhanced garden. Plus, local favorite eatery, Wally’s Desert Turtle, joined the incredible dining lineup. On court, Juan Martín del Potro of Argentina celebrated his first Masters 1000 title with a three set win over Roger Federer (6-4, 6(8)-7, 7-6(2)) and Japan’s Naomi Osaka made her presence known, defeating Daria Kasatkina of Russia (6-3, 6-2).

Indian Wells Tennis Garden debuted an impressive renovation, highlighted by the addition of more than 20 new dining options on site, including Wolfgang Puck’s Spago, a full-service 100-seat restaurant that overlooks the court on Stadium 1. Roger Federer celebrated his fifth tournament win, beating fellow Swiss Stan Wawrinka in straight sets (6-4, 7-5). Elena Vesnina was victorious over Svetlana Kuznetsova in three sets (6-7 (6-8), 7-5, 6-4). The tournament generated over $406 million in economic impact.

Victoria Azarenka won her second title by defeating Serena Williams in straight sets (6-4, 6-4) and Novak Djokovic beat Milos Raonic in straight sets (6-2, 6-0) for a record-setting fifth tournament title.

Simona Halep beat Jelena Janković in three sets (2-6, 7-5, 6-4) and Novak Djokovic, once again, defeated Roger Federer in straight sets to celebrate his fourth title win, 6-3, 6-7 (5-7),6-2.

After only 10 months and 10 days of construction, a brand new, permanent 8,000-seat Stadium 2 opened this year, including a world-renowned Nobu restaurant overlooking the court. John McEnroe hosted the first “McEnroe Challenge for Charity.” Novak Djokovic defeated Roger Federer in three sets (3-6, 6-3, 7-6(7-3)) to celebrate his third win at Indian Wells and Flavia Pennetta beat Agnieszka Radwanska in straight sets (6-2, 6-1). Total tournament attendance surpassed 430,000 and generated over $373 million in economic impact.

Maria Sharapova won her second tournament title, beating Caroline Wozniacki in straight sets (6-2, 6-2) and Rafael Nadal celebrated his third tournament win, defeating Juan Martín del Potro (4-6, 6-3, 6-4). Both Sharapova and Nadal were reigning French Open champions.

The event became the only ATP/WTA combined event to offer $1 million in prize money to each of its singles champions. Tennis legend Raymond Moore was also announced as the new CEO of both the tournament and Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Roger Federer returned to the winner’s circle with his fourth tournament win, this time over John Isner in straight sets (7-6 (9-7), 6-3) and Victoria Azarenka improved her glittering start to the year to 23-0 and defeated Maria Sharapova in straight sets (6-2, 6-3).

The BNP Paribas Open became the first tournament in the world to offer the Hawkeye electronic line calling system on every match court. In a 2007 rematch with a different outcome, Novak Djokovic beat Rafael Nadal in three sets (4-6, 6-3, 6-2) to win for the second time. Caroline Wozniacki claimed the women’s title, defeating Marion Bartoli in three sets (6-1, 2-6, 6-3).

In addition to celebrating its 35th anniversary, the tournament gained a new owner in Larry Ellison, co-founder and CEO of Oracle Corporation. In response to the January 2010 earthquake, Ellison coordinated the BNP Paribas Open “Hit for Haiti,” a charity exhibition that raised a million dollars for the American Red Cross Haiti Relief and Development Fund. Jelena Janković defeated Caroline Wozniacki in straight sets (6-2, 6-4) and Ivan Ljubičić beat Andy Roddick in straight sets (7-6 (7-3), 7-6 (7-5)).

BNP Paribas is a premier sponsor of tennis globally, and became the new title sponsor of the tournament in Indian Wells. Rafael Nadal won his second title, defeating Andy Murray in straight sets (6-1, 6-2) and Vera Zvonareva defeated reigning champion Ana Ivanovic, also in straight sets (7-6 (7-5), 6-2).

Ana Ivanovic defeated Svetlana Kuznetsova in straight sets (6-4, 6-3) and went on to become World No. 1. Novak Djokovic beat Mardy Fish in three sets (6-2, 5-7, 6-3) to win his first Indian Wells tournament title.

Rafael Nadal beat Novak Djokovic in straight sets (6-2, 7-5) and Daniela Hantuchová won for the second time, beating Svetlana Kuznetsova in straight sets (6-3, 6-4). The total event attendance surpassed 300,000 for the first time, becoming the first event outside the Majors to do so.

Hard economic times threatened the tournament, but tennis legends Pete Sampras, Billie Jean King and Chris Evert, along with new investors, banded together to acquire IMG’s 50% ownership of the tournament. The City of Indian Wells purchased 27 acres of adjacent land in order to keep the tournament in the Coachella Valley, despite investor interest overseas. Roger Federer dominated for the third year in a row, defeating James Blake in straight sets (7-5, 6-3, 6-0) and Maria Sharapova beat Elena Dementieva in straight sets (6-1, 6-2) to take home the women’s title.

In three sets (6-4, 4-6, 6-2) Kim Clijsters once again beat Lindsay Davenport for her second women’s title. Roger Federer defended his title, defeating two-time tournament champion Lleyton Hewitt in straight sets (6-2, 6-4, 6-4).

Justine Henin took home the women’s title, beating Lindsay Davenport in straight sets (6-1, 6-4). Roger Federer won the men’s event for the first time, defeating Tim Henman in straight sets (6-3, 6-3).

Kim Clijsters beat Lindsay Davenport in straight sets (6-4, 7-5) to take home the women’s title and Lleyton Hewitt defended his title, defeating Gustavo Kuerten in straight sets (6-1, 6-1).

The tournament became known as the Pacific Life Open presented by City of Indian Wells this year. Lleyton Hewitt defeated Tim Henman in straight sets (6-1, 6-2). Daniela Hantuchová defeated Martina Hingis, also in straight sets (6-3, 6-4).

Andre Agassi defeated Pete Sampras in straight sets (7-6 (7-5), 7-5, 6-1) to take home the men’s title for the first time and Serena Williams beat Kim Clijsters in three sets (4-6, 6-4, 6-2) to take home her second women’s title. The total event attendance surpassed 200,000 for the first time.

A new home for a new millennium, the tournament moved to the newly constructed Indian Wells Tennis Garden. The state-of-the-art facility boasted the second largest stadium in the world at 16,100 seats, as well as seven other match courts spread throughout the 54-acres of lush landscape. The tournament also saw an increased playing field, resulting in a full two-week event, and both the men’s and women’s events became known as the “Tennis Masters Series Indian Wells presented by Newsweek.” Àlex Corretja defeated Thomas Enqvist in straight sets (6-4, 6-4, 6-3) and Lindsay Davenport won for the second time, beating Martina Hingis in three sets (4-6, 6-4, 6-0).

After defeating Steffi Graf in three sets (6-3, 3-6, 7-5), Serena Williams championed in the women’s tournament, known once again as the Evert Cup. On the men’s side, Mark Philippoussis beat Carlos Moyà in five sets (5-7, 6-4, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2).

Event organizers Charlie Pasarell and Raymond Moore partnered with IMG to build the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Marcelo Ríos defeated Greg Rusedski in a gruelling four sets (6-3, 6-7 (15-17), 7-6 (7-4), 6-4) and Martina Hingis beat reigning champion Lindsay Davenport in straight sets (6-3, 6-4).

The WTA designated the State Farm Evert Cup as a Tier I event, the top WTA category at the time. In the event, Lindsay Davenport celebrated her first desert win against Irina Spîrlea in straight sets (6-2, 6-1). Davenport held a perfect record at the 1997 event and also won the doubles title. Michael Chang defended his title, winning for the third time when he beat Bohdan Ulihrach in four sets (4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-3).

In previous years, the women’s event occurred immediately prior to the men’s, but that changed in 1996 when the ATP and WTA approved the combining of the events. Known as the Newsweek Champions Cup/State Farm Evert Cup presented by Harman International, the tournament in Indian Wells became one of only six combined tournaments in the world. Michael Chang and Steffi Graf both won for the second time. Chang defeated Paul Haarhuis in straight sets (7-5, 6-1, 6-1) and Graf beat Conchita Martínez in straight sets (7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (7-5)).

The WTA tournament became the State Farm Evert Cup this year, with Mary Jo Fernández winning the title by defeating Natasha Zvereva in straight sets (6-4, 6-3). Pete Sampras defended his title on a Monday, the event’s only final ever played on a weekday, by beating Andre Agassi in straight sets (7-5, 6-3, 7-5).

Steffi Graf triumphed in the WTA tournament, known simply as the Evert Cup this year, taking down Amanda Coetzer in straight sets (6-0, 6-4). Pete Sampras brought home the men’s title, beating Petr Korda in five sets (4-6, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2).

After beating reigning champion Michael Chang in the semifinals, Jim Courier then defeated Wayne Ferreira in the finals in straight sets (6-3, 6-3, 6-1) to win the tournament for the second time. As for the women, Mary Joe Fernández defeated Amanda Coetzer in three sets (3-6, 6-1, 7-6 (8-6)).

Chris Evert attached her name to the WTA tournament this year, making it known as the Matrix Essentials Evert Cup. Monica Seles defeated Conchita Martínez in straight sets (6-3, 6-1). Michael Chang beat Andrei Chesnokov in straight sets (6-3, 6-4, 7-5) to take home the men’s title.

This year the tournament became an official Sony Ericsson WTA tour event under the name of Virginia Slims of Indian Wells. Martina Navratilova defended her title, beating Monica Seles in straight sets (6-2, 7-7 (8-6)). Guy Forget managed to defeat reigning champion, Stefan Edberg, in the semifinals but fell to Jim Courier in a thrilling five set final (4-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7-4)).

The tournament made great strides in the ATP this year when it was designated as one of the elite events on the ATP Tour in the category now known as the ATP Masters 1000 Series. Stefan Edberg defeated Andre Agassi in four sets (6-4, 5-7, 7-6 (7-1), 7-6 (7-4)). For the WTA, Virginia Slims of Indian Wells was upgraded to a Tier II tournament. Martina Navratilova won the title, beating Helena Suková in three sets (6-2, 5-7, 6-1).

In partnership with IMG, the tournament became a sanctioned WTA Tier III tournament this year, known as Virginia Slims of Indian Wells. Manuela Maleeva was the first female champion after defeating Jenny Byrne in straight sets (6-4, 6-1). Miloslav Mečiř took home the men’s prize, beating Yannick Noah in five sets (3-6, 2-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-3).

With Boris Becker’s second tournament win, this time over Emilio Sanchez in four sets (7-5, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4), the event gained international attention. It also gained a new name: Newsweek Champions Cup.

With the tournament growing in popularity, it outgrew the facilities at the La Quinta Hotel. The newly completed 350-room Grand Champions Hotel (now the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa) served as an ideal next home for the tournament, thus bringing it to Indian Wells. The sophisticated tennis facility boasted 12 courts, including a 10,000-seat tennis stadium, 3,000-seat clubhouse court, two grass courts and two clay courts. This was also the first year that a top women’s professional competition (featuring now Hall of Famer Stephanie Graf) was held in conjunction with the men’s, though not concurrently. Boris Becker defeated Stefan Edberg in straight sets (6-4, 6-4, 7-5).

Though 1985’s runner up David Pate beat reigning champion Larry Stefanki in the second round, it was Joakim Nyström’s year. He defeated Yannick Noah in the championship in straight sets (6-1, 6-3, 6-2).

The tournament became known as the Pilot Pen Classic this year. Wild Card player and local resident of La Quinta, Larry Stefanki, stunned the tennis world when he defeated David Pate in four sets for the title (6-1, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3).

After beating defending champion José Higueras in the semifinals, Jimmy Connors defeated Yannick Noah (6-2, 6-7 (7-9), 6-3) for his third tournament win.

While Eliot Teltscher was able to stop defending champion Yannick Noah in the semifinals, it was José Higueras who prevailed in the finals. He beat Teltscher in straight sets (6-4, 6-2).

Again known as the Congoleum Classic, the tournament enjoyed its second year at the La Quinta Hotel. France’s Yannick Noah made history this year by defeating Ivan Lendl in three sets (6-4, 2-6, 7-5), thereby ending Lendl’s winning streak of 44 matches.

Thanks to passion and persuasion from tennis great Charles Pasarell, the tournament remained in the Coachella Valley despite ATP plans to move it to Florida. The tournament, now known as the Grand Marnier/ATP Tennis Games, was moved to a newly opened 7,500-seat stadium at the La Quinta Hotel. Pasarell accepted the role of tournament director. Jimmy Connors won for the second time when he defeated Ivan Lendl in straight sets (6-3, 7-6).

The tournament moved to Rancho Mirage and became known as the Congoleum Classic. Roscoe Tanner defended his title against Brian Gottfried and won the championship in straight sets (6-4, 6-2).

Roscoe Tanner defeated Raúl Ramírez in straight sets (6-1, 7-6) to capture his second title of the weekend. Tanner also won the doubles title with partner Raymond Moore.

Brian Gottfried rallied from behind to upset World No. 1 Guillermo Vilas in three sets (2-6, 6-1, 6-3).

The American Airlines Tennis Games found a new home in the Coachella Valley at Mission Hills Country Club in Palm Springs, CA. This year’s tournament featured 12 future Tennis Hall of Famers including Arthur Ashe, Rod Laver, Bjorn Borg and Cliff Drysdale. In a field of legends, it was Jimmy Connors who ultimately beat Roscoe Tanner to win the championship in straight sets (6-4, 6-4).